In The News

Sen. Edward Kennedy of Massachusetts abruptly removes himself from the 1976 Democratic presidential race because of obligations to the family. “This decision is firm, final and unconditional. There is absolutely no circumstance or event that will alter the decision. I will not accept the nomination.”

President Ford warns the world’s major oil producing countries against trying to turn oil prices or production restrictions into a political weapon: “It is difficult to discuss the energy problem without lapsing into doomsday language. The danger is clear. It is severe. Nations are forced to choose between conflict and cooperation.” “Throughout history, nations have gone to war over natural advantages such as water or food, or convenient passages on land or sea. But in the nuclear age, when any local conflict may escalate to global catastrophe war brings unacceptable risks for all mankind. Now, more than any other time in the history of man, nations must accept and live peacefully with the fact that they need each other. Nations must turn to international cooperation as the best means for dealing with the uneven distribution of resources.”

Vice President Nominee Nelson A. Rockefeller discloses that his immediate personal fortune is $62.5 million “to keep the record straight.” In addition, he says he receives the income from two trust funds with assets totaling $120 million. “I shall give a frank and open statement of my background, my career, my associations, my purposes, my finances and anything else the committee and the Congress quite properly want to know.” Rockefeller resides in Pocantico Hills-North Tarrytown, NY and maintains an office on W 55th street in Manhattan.

A blood clot from former President Richard Nixon’s leg moves to his right lung according to his doctor and poses “a potentially dangerous situation.” His condition is not critical at this time and the doctor says he has a “very good chance for recovery.”

President Ford’s summit conference on inflation opens in Washington. More than 1,200 participants and observers jammed the convention hall of a Washington hotel for the conference, the culmination of more than a dozen previous sessions involving unionists, businessmen, farmers, financiers, members of congress and others.

First lady Betty Ford enters Bethesda Naval Hospital for surgery to determine whether she is suffering from breast cancer. A lump was discovered last week after a regular checkup.

Fascinating Business news – September 20, 1974

General Motors says it is shelving plans to introduce a rotary engine as an option in a Chevrolet sporty car. GM President Edward Cole said that “the lack of relief from very stringent 1977 federal anti-pollution standards, which we are not sure can be achieved even with current production engines, makes it especially impractical to put into production any new engine which doesn’t presently have the potential to meet those standards.” The Mazda, which used the rotary engine, has consistently bettered U.S. emissions standards since it went on sale in 1970. Sales of Mazdas have dropped sharply since U.S. environmental Protection Agency tests showed that the cars get significantly poorer fuel economy than similar size vehicles offered by other auto makers.

More auto news - GM says it plans to introduce a redesign group of smaller full-size cars in the Chevrolet, Pontiac, Oldsmobile, Buick and Cadillac lines at the beginning of the 1977 model year. The plans reveal that despite a long-term energy problem in the country, Americans will still want a variety of car sizes and types rather than turning completely to small autos.

Sports news – September 20, 1974

Al Kaline of the Detroit Tigers gets his 3,000th hit - the 12th player in major league history to reach that number. The Orioles wound up beating the Tigers in a close one - 5-4.

Entertainment/Celebrity/Movie news – September 20, 1974

Passing - beloved character actor Walter Brennan (80). A three-time Academy Award winner, he passed after a long battle with emphysema.

Passing - Jacqueline Susann (53) - former actress turned author. Best known as the author of “Valley of the Dolls,” The Love Machine” and “Once is Not Enough.” She told no one outside her family about the lung cancer she had been battling since 1962. She was married to television and movie producer Irving Mansfield for 30 years. As an actess, she appeared in 21 Broadway plays.

Passing - Cliff Arquette - better known as Charlie Weaver (68). A veteran comedian, he could be seen regularly as a panelist on “The Hollywood Squares.” He has been part of the show since it debuted in 1966.

Television news - September 20, 1974

Cher signs an exclusive contract with CBS Television. Robert Wood, president of the network says the pact calls for her to star in an hour-long variety special next February and also to star in a full hour comedy-variety music series set to begin next fall. The Sonny & Cher Comedy Hour was dropped from the network lineup when the couple’s marriage broke-up earlier this year.